I am someone who absolutely needs breakfast in order to function in the mornings, but I often find myself stuck in a loop–the same bowl of oatmeal every day for a few weeks, and then the same bowl of yogurt for the next couple weeks. On repeat. I get caught up rushing to class or work, and before I know it, even the most delicious oatmeal combination is beginning to grow boring. If you’re like me, you know how easy it is to get bogged down, and the first thing to go is always prioritizing eating well. However, with the start of spring comes less classes, and more time spent in the library. One of the few good things about exam season is that there aren’t any more nine am lectures to rush to, and you can make your own schedule–which means taking more time out of the day for good food and good coffee (integral to the studying process). Treat yourself to a relaxing and delicious breakfast or brunch before hitting the library, and I promise, you’ll study a lot better. Here are a few of my favourite breakfast spots around Dublin–give one a try!
As the weather warms up, iced coffees are looking a lot more tempting. Bear Market on Westland Row has some of the best coffee around, and I’m not just saying that because it’s in a great location (right near the Pearse Street campus entrance). They source specialty coffee and have a variety of different roasts to choose from. You can even buy espresso pods to make your favourite roast at home. (Pro tip: if you buy a box of espresso pods, you get a free coffee! But that could have just been my killer smile. Take a chance!) There’s always an interesting latte flavour combination to choose from, but the classic cappuccino is delicious as well. In addition to coffee, there is always a variety of too-tempting pastries, and it’s hard to pick just one. Grab a breakfast muffin for a quick snack or an almond croissant that just melts in your mouth. There’s not a lot of seating, but Merrion Square Park is right down the street–it’s a lovely place to enjoy a coffee.
Another café with delicious coffee is Frèd, which just opened up on Nassau Street. I’m sure you’ve seen their sign that they have the best hot chocolate in town, which is a confident statement to make (can you beat Butler’s?). But Frèd definitely delivers on the freshly baked desserts, ranging from a classic gingerbread cake to jewel tone macarons. In addition to coffee and sweets, they have a selection of sandwiches to choose from. This is the perfect place for a mid-morning pick-me-up, and it doesn’t hurt that the aesthetic of the storefront is straight out of a pinterest board.
Deep in an alley off of Abbey Street Upper lie two great breakfast spots: Lemon Jelly Café and Jay Kays Café. Lemon Jelly and Jay Kays both feature lines out of the door most mornings, but the lines move quickly and their brunch is worth the wait. Both cafés have similar menus, with dishes ranging from omelettes to french toast to overnight oats, and a large selection of smoothies and coffees. The lively atmosphere is enjoyable, but don’t expect to have a private conversation, as tables are squeezed in wherever possible. Particularly enjoyable at Lemon Jelly is the large selection of crepes – from lemon and powdered sugar to nutella and strawberries, while Jay Kays is a great spot for a breakfast sandwich, with many combinations to choose from. If you’re going out with a big group of people, Lemon Jelly or Jay Kays are the best options, as there’s lots of seating and the extensive menu will suit everyone.
If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast spot, The Wooden Whisk is the place to go. It’s a small café on Talbot Street which features fresh pastries, a full Irish breakfast, and everything in between. The ambiance is lovely, and the cafe feels homey and small without being over-crowded. In addition to being open for breakfast and lunch, they’re open late, so stop in for a tea and scone on your way home from school.
One of my favorite cafés is Bread 41. Their pastries are, in my opinion, some of the best in the city, and a trip there is perfect for when you need a treat. Just walking by and smelling the delicious scents will have your mouth watering, and it’s difficult to choose from the line of beautiful pastries. A classic that always satisfies is the morning bun–aptly named as its the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee fix. Remember to bring a reusable coffee cup! If you need something a bit more substantial than a sweet pastry, the focaccia and pizza slices are great choices. The flavours vary day-to-day, but they’re always delicious and filling. If you don’t want to sit in and eat a pastry, grab a loaf of bread to bring home for tomorrow’s breakfast. There’s always a wide variety to choose from, and they’re freshly baked every morning.
If you’re on the hunt for a traditional Irish breakfast, check out The Beanhive. It’s located at the bottom of Dawson Street, making it the perfect place to grab breakfast before heading into campus. The Beanhive has a regular Irish breakfast option as well as a vegan Irish breakfast option–perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who wants the same experience of a traditional breakfast without the meat! If you don’t want a savory breakfast, there is always a selection of absolutely huge muffins to choose from. The muffins, which in my opinion taste more like cake, are rich and delicious. Again, there are vegan and gluten free options! They are also well known for their beautiful latte art–ranging from colorful scenes from the Dublin cityscape to cute animals. The Beanhive’s staff are always friendly, and despite only having a tiny space inside, the outdoor benches are a lovely place to spend the morning people-watching.
Póg, on Tara Street, is a bit of a fancier breakfast spot, with a focus on high end, healthy eating. The feature favourites are the protein pancakes, with multiple decadent options and a build-your-own section of the menu. They’re a bit expensive, but if you’re hungry, definitely worth the money. In addition to pancakes, Póg serves all the brunch classics like eggs and french toast, but you can also branch out with their spirulina smoothie bowl or pink beet chai. The atmosphere is very posh–this isn’t the place to run in for a coffee after the gym, but it’s lovely for a nice, sit-down breakfast.
There’s a reason that people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – in addition to giving your body the energy it needs, what you have for breakfast sets the mood of the day. Whether you’re rushing to grab a coffee or taking the time for a sit-down meal, there are some lovely treats around Dublin. Take a moment to experience good food, and I promise, the rest of your day will be infinitely better. Now please, excuse me as I message my friends to see who wants to go out for breakfast in the morning, because I can’t go back to the boring bowl of yogurt after writing all of this.
